Marin Buzz
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The best community events, local history, and small businesses in Marin, California. Two short emails per week. Subscribe at marinbuzz.com.
Robin Williams lost the first San Francisco stand-up comedy competition. I talked with someone who was there 50 years ago to find out why.
There were two 50 year-old stories that might be mixed together. Robin Williams performed at Dominican College of San Rafael (renamed to Dominican University in 2000). Hear why he didn’t end up winning that one.
Then the SF comedy final was a surprising 2nd place finish. I found an old Mercury News article that says the lights went out on the winning comedian, did that actually end up helping him secure the crown?
Follow for more Bay Area history and events.
New owner! Finnegan’s Marin Restaurant & Bar has been sold to the GM Pat. This is Novato’s famous Irish Pub right downtown with the awesome parklet right on Grant Ave.
They posted a letter last week saying they’re “handing over the keys to the business” but will keep owning the building.
What does this mean for everyone in Marin? Well hopefully no changes, but we look at some of the regulations and unknown factors that have complicated other restaurant transitions in the county.
Finnegan’s: 877 Grant Ave, Novato, CA 94945
Where the boba fans? A new spot is coming to downtown Novato, with a unique twist. It’s called Boba Tavern and it’s next door to the Game Fortress (1205 Grant Ave, Novato)
Are you excited for this?
06/05/2026
Hear all the classic rock recorded in Sausalito - ton of Grateful Dead stories told by two historians of the recording studio. Fleetwood Mac Rumours album. Marin legend Santana. There’s a few tickets left, comment music for the link.
There’s a new Bay Area prodigy and no, it’s not some tech founder.
Kane Parsons released Backrooms with A24 and beat out the latest Star Wars film in the box office. It all started here: he commuted from Petaluma to attend the Marin School of the Arts Cinematic Arts program, the regional magnet school on the Novato High campus.
Have you seen it yet?
Professional baseball in Marin, now with their own beer by Pond Farm
Check out the San Rafael Pacifics , playing Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 6pm through July (mostly $10 tickets).
And try the Albert’s Lager with this awesome can.
Photo:
06/03/2026
Here are the Marin Events from June 5 to 10: Oz, Art, Jokes, Jazz, Rural Roots, and more
We cover everything from Sausalito (Jazz and Blues by the Bay) to Point Reyes Station (Western Weekend)
To click the links, just the email list in our bio.
Here’s something you haven’t tried yet: aerial dancing. I didn’t know this was possible, but there’s a spot in Marin County where you can try it for free Saturday 6/6 at 6pm.
Aerial Dance Marin is at 3040 Kerner Blvd, San Rafael
Do you love food? I thought so!
Music History Party in Sausalito
Saturday 6/6 from noon to 4:30
Listen to the music and stories behind recording it in Sausalito, including Fleetwood Mac, the Grateful Dead, and more. Delicious cheesy tacos for purchase by La Lupita. Comment MUSIC for the details.
Dinner Club in San Rafael
Wednesday 6/10 at 6:15pm
Meet your neighbors in this fun social evening. You take a personality quiz, get a restaurant, and sit down with five people you’ve never met. Optional afterparty to follow. Comment CLUB for the link.
4th of July BBQ in Sausalito
Saturday 7/4 from noon to 3
Be the first to try the food from the anticipated Tasty’s Joint restaurant coming later this year to Sausalito. This event is for the whole family, comment BBQ to join.
The Larkspur Battle of the Bands is coming up on Sunday 6/7 with 5 hours of live music, great food and drink, and even a KidZone with some childcare.
We gave out two tickets and are going to do another drawing later this week. Join the Insider Text list here: https://app.marinbuzz.com/insider-texts
To buy tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-larkspur-battle-of-the-bands-sunday-june-7th-piper-park-12-5-p-tickets-1985530505190
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